County to meet about new law affecting foster youth

Children coming out of the foster care system will have state benefits a little longer.

Today the County Board of Supervisors will hear how a new law raising the emancipation age of foster youths from 18 to 21 affects Del Norte during the regular meeting at 10 a.m. in the Flynn Center.  

Previously, youths coming out of foster care could opt into longer placement until they turn 24; now they will automatically remain dependent unless they opt out and explain to a judge why they don’t want to participate, said Director of Health and Human Services Gary Blatnick.

He anticpates seven potential “non-minor dependents” in this county for the coming year.

The new law also provides for a different kind of placement, where dependents can get their own apartments and live independently with probationary oversight.

Reach Emily Jo Cureton at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it